Is the 2009 SAAB 9-5 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 79% of SAAB 9-5s from 2009 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 1,050 tests. That's 3 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2009 SAAB 9-5 cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £1,857 (£155/month), including £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2009 SAAB 9-5?

The 2009 SAAB 9-5 has a 79% MOT pass rate based on 1,050 tests in 2026. This ranks 231 out of 575 cars from 2009.

Which year SAAB 9-5 is most reliable?

The 2012 SAAB 9-5 has the highest MOT pass rate at 88%. The least reliable year is 2002 at 71%.

What is the average mileage for a 2009 SAAB 9-5?

The average mileage for a 2009 SAAB 9-5 is 116,189 miles, which is in line with the expected 125,800 miles for a 17-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

SAAB 9-5 (2009)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,050 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,857

£155/month

MOT Pass Rate

79%

Average

Road Tax

£265

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1910cc Diesel

Check Carefully

79% pass rate, £1857/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Diesel1910cc17 years old1,050 tests116k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1910cc)

~48 mpg

£1,037

Road Tax

Based on 1910cc

£265

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£1,857

Per month£155/mo

Per week£36/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

79% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the SAAB brand average of 75%.

At 17 years old, 79% of SAAB 9-5s from 2009 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,050 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 116,189 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2009 cars231th of 575(top 40%)

Rank among SAAB models14th of 73(top 19%)

vs national average-3%(82% avg)

vs 2009 cars average+4%(75% avg)

vs SAAB average+4%(75% avg)

Mileage Analysis

116,189

Average miles

125,800

Expected for age

The average 2009 SAAB 9-5 has 116,189 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 125,800 miles for a 17-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2012 model with a 88% MOT pass rate, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 71%. The 2009 sits between the two at 79%.

SAAB 9-5 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2012	88%	50	91,077 mi
2011	85%	622	110,433 mi
2010	83%	1,096	112,776 mi
2009	79%	1,050	116,189 mi
2008	79%	1,659	122,813 mi
2007	77%	1,891	123,119 mi
2006	75%	1,825	130,088 mi
2005	74%	1,671	129,775 mi
2004	73%	1,364	131,575 mi
2003	74%	869	134,877 mi
2002	71%	828	125,369 mi
2001	77%	620	122,330 mi
2000	76%	519	127,259 mi
1999	79%	601	126,506 mi
1998	73%	322	118,343 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

2011 · 1896cc Diesel

£1,727/year

78%

-1%

VAUXHALL ASTRA

2010 · 1910cc Diesel

£1,727/year

74%

-5%

VOLKSWAGEN POLO

2010 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,595/year

74%

-5%

BMW 3 SERIES

2011 · 2000cc Diesel

£1,577/year

81%

+2%

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About the 2009 SAAB 9-5

The 2009 SAAB 9-5 is a family car with a 1910cc diesel engine. 1,050 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2009, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 116,189 miles at 17 years old, SAAB 9-5 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2009 SAAB 9-5 Fuel Costs

The 1910cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2009 SAAB 9-5?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,857 (£155/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 79% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

SAAB 9-5 Reliability Trend

Newer SAAB 9-5s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 5 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2009 SAAB 9-5

At 17 years old, the SAAB 9-5 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2012 model has the highest pass rate at 88%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2009 SAAB 9-5's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 116k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2009 SAAB 9-5 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
SAAB 9-5(2009)	79%	£1037	£265	Grp 18-32	£1857
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2011)	78%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1727-£130
VAUXHALL ASTRA(2010)	74%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1727-£130
VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2010)	74%	£905	£135	Grp 12-25	£1595-£262
BMW 3 SERIES(2011)	81%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1577-£280

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.